Live Updates on Congressional Budget and Infrastructure Vote

 This is where the magic of democracy happens. All the positioning, arguments (some of which are silly) and practical matters come into play. All decisions have an outcome and in turn change our options. This is where its all in a pressure cooker and the type of meal we will have depends on the "right mix" in the pot. 🍳=🥠

Ok...enough with the metaphors....you can read CNN's Live Updates

Fed Chair Powell and Treasury Secretary Yellen testify before Congress on CARES Act — 9/28/21

 Lots of different things going on here in terms of questions and answers. Lawmakers are seeking more answers on some of the activities of the Federal Reserve. You can read the highlights in 'Fed Chair Powell calls inflation ‘frustrating’ and sees it running into next year'. Sometimes watching videos like this gives you into the current thinking in government and potential policy pushes that impact the business climate.

Escanaba Mayor Tall Seeks Reelection (Thumbs Up!)

The Escanaba Daily Press posted an article, 'Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall seeks reelection to council' and his desire to run again for Escanaba Major. I have been watching the Escanaba YouTube Chanel for some time and I will say that I like what he is doing. That isn't saying I know anything about the other candidates (good or bad) but what I have seen is that he seems to be focused genuinely on developing a stronger community (Leadership Characteristics are important and valued in society where generations can give back.). 

You can watch and get a sense of the different types of discussions that take place during the city hall meetings HERE. People/Institutions interested in investing in this town should understand the landscape and conduct at least an informal Environmental Scan that puts local activities in the perspective of global change (Not saying that is going to happen...its just a discussion on community leadership and environment. Maybe we will get lucky someday and attract additional investment; maybe not.🤷). 

Escanaba is a great place to live and invest. Most of the people genuinely care about their community and do what is best for their town and residents. Opportunities abound for capital development/hedging that ranges in everything from small downtown development/stores all the way over to larger corporate investments (See Information Availability). 

I'm not even saying my readership should trust my judgement (I second guess myself all the time! 🤓) but I believe he is doing a fine and dandy job. There might be other great candidates applying or there may not be other great candidates applying; I'm just saying thumbs up on this one.👍👌 Focusing on developing a great place to live and raise kids is important. 

Knowledgeable leaders understand how economics and business impacts local growth opportunities. Leaders may not know all the right answers but if they ask a range of people who have that knowledge they are much more effective in their own decision making. While we are talking about local issues sometimes looking at large studies can be helpful. A study of 146 countries by Finance Professor Craig Brown in the Journal of Monetary Economics discusses how leadership knowledge improves performance of a country (I suspect that applies to locality as well.)

The Importance of Judges To Society and Why They Must Have a Bigger Purpose

We have problems brewing that range from extremism to discontent and our local judges have a responsibility to not only stand against such behaviors but also actively thwart them for a greater purpose beyond their bench (When local judges become bankrupt, Federal judges should step in to ensure the Constitution is upheld and the integrity of the system is maintained.). Social connections, corruption, and disingenuous behavior often leaves some members of society wondering, "Has it always been like this?" and  "Are the laws nonexistence or inherently so warped that they no longer count?". We do know we can do better reporting certain crimes for statistical reasons and holding people accountable for moral reasons but....

A model of slow and fast change. Covid was a 
non-linier fast event that shifted behaviors and tech.
more change is likely on way....
How we handle similar issues will determine the smoothness
of social transition.
(Sablonnière, 2017)

....if places like this exist we must ask ourselves what circumstances does it take to uphold the law and continue forward with time honored American principles (the torch) being offered from one generation and willingly accepted by the other (Remember we have to keep our legal system clean in order to ensure it is trusted and the basic values can be passed. Judges who cannot uphold basic human rights should not be allowed to stay on a bench. Past behaviors become suspect. UN Impact of Legal System Corruption). When those values become distorted it not only puts more then the victims at risk it also warps what makes a country like the U.S. great (Let's not let the wealth of the past few generations blind us to the need to maintain those values for the current generation that is now beginning to question capitalism and democracy in general. In other words, people believe because good moral conscious is at the forefront of our behaviors and these are still the two best systems in the world...but we have to believe and enforce those values within our institutions to maintain it. All societies are rooted in a social contract. I encourage our legal system, politicians, and societal stakeholders to investigate and root out inappropriate behaviors when reasonable maintain long term societal trust of the institution. Integrity will help maintain the system from social shocks during sociological shifts; of which we need to be done as smoothly as possible. i.e. a shift from local to global perspectives/big data/renaissance and the blending of values that will put greater pressure on local officials to maintain those values that bind society into a single identity.)

Brookings. Rule of Law and Development are 
Associated.

If we want a society that is fair, just and stable we will need judges that look at the big picture and make decisions that are in the best long term interest of society. These are the one's that make decisions with wisdom and not in their own self-social interest. There are just times when certain behaviors are not acceptable and have created other victims who not only no longer have a voice but whos lives and rights were smothered because the judge failed to roll up his/her sleeves and earn their taxpayer paycheck. (Truth and justice should be the main banner and that leads to positive benefits throughout society. Judges should not have the right to circumvent victims rights just because "rights" are inconvenient and they may not be liked by their social group members. If no one looks, no crimes are committed....but that is not how our society should be....that is a sign of societal decline.). 

Its not so much the legal system as it is those within the system who subjectively choose who and when they are going to hold certain behaviors accountable. We have a level of responsibility to a greater moral compass. We don't want a system where the only truth comes from people who go public with irrefutable evidence that can't be denied when all the signs of illegal behavior were already present but intentionally glossed over (Notice how people now intuitively pull phones out to document behaviors. We should ask ourselves why people feel that is a necessity in today's world? Has a culture of distrust developed? Why has it developed? Big research questions for scientists to ponder.)

Moral failures relate to societal decline.
Moral Collapse and State Failure:... 

When bad behavior comes to light and it appears reasonable these judges should explore those concepts from a neutral standpoint (i.e. look for the truth). They have an obligation to society beyond those who look, act, or worship in the same way they do (...even if they don't get re-elected. We can look at historical examples of poor judgeship such as what happened to notable figure such as Jesus, Socrates, Voltaire, etc.. I suspect if the judges had feedforward insight they were going to be branded in the history books as villains' they would have made different choices; but that is not how it should work...because this is just self interest. ). They willingly choose their path to judgeship and must fulfill those obligations once on the bench regardless of their personal gain/loss. 

How does one fix this problem? I'm not sure its possible....at least without a more enlightened perspective. We need a self reflective justice systems that is willing to hold its own bad actors accountable to maintain and restore trust....and we need it to keep the republic moving toward its ultimate destiny/path. Its much more difficult to get us to that ultimate philosophical/national goal when some of us are holding us back based on a limited perspective and social self interest.

What we do know is....if these things are happening (I'm sure it happens from time to time)....they are detractors to our great nation and against the spirit by which the country should run its course. Greater knowledge and awareness of the different perspectives in society helps us learn and improve; or double down on bad strategies (Reuters conducted a review that indicated 9/10 judges that engaged in misconduct stayed on the bench. Yikes! What about all the victims? No rights?💕) . Failure to stand by these principles eventually leads to institutional distrust that results in things like increasing riots and dangerous group behavior such as the sacking of the capitol (..point being that economic issues, COVID, indifference, bias, etc... erode trust and diminish stability.). Where first world performance is needed some opt for third world results. The Blind Eye  and Morality and Law

Side note:

I'm just writing in general about things I feel and think might be helpful in building something bigger than ourselves from a national perspective. I have been watching politics and watching how certain behaviors are playing out in society and I think there is some benefits to trying to maintain an objective as possible stance and encouraging society to develop when and where it can. Our legal, social, economic, etc... structures do impact our opportunities to attract resources and grow as a nation. It is becoming increasingly possible to build a more comprehensive model of how local corruption might work and where it can be investigated (i.e. specific document focus) to determine the validity of that model.

Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey Pleads Guilty: Who and What is Next?

Detroit was a city on the move but has fallen to its knees due to corruption and societal bias (Very sad it was my stomping grounds for a while). Once connected to a wider world it went bankrupt and things began to change for the better....except it kept the same corrupt leadership.  Its kind of sad what happened to Detroit and we hope that it can regain its footing and become a city destined for a second comeback. That means we need stronger leadership and people who have the foresight to move beyond their self gain. The old ways simply aren't working and there must be new ways of managing our cities. 

...also its hard to have a comeback unless there are people in office that can foster that.

Corruption Impacts Economic Growth
AHMAD, ULLAH & ARFEEN, 2012

This is a problem that has been brewing for a long time and it is one that has been festering under our noses (Likely why we were engage in political banter.). Good people have come forward to help change the landscape of Detroit but there are still people in public office that are soaking off the backs of the downtrodden while enriching themselves. We must end this type of self seeking behavior if we plan on being the nation we know we should be...with a future and a destiny others want to follow! The UN has some stuff on corruption HERE and discusses how it damages people. 

It doesn't have to be this way! We could reconnect with Detroit while making social, racial, and business headway into the development of a new national vision that ties us together. Detroit was a place where the legacy of segregation made two different societies for those in Detroit and those from the Suburbs and that should end. The past should not define our future as new digital technologies and opportunities gravitate toward Michigan.  

Its time to start sharing a sense of destiny and breaking down these mental and social barriers for something greater (Assuming our politicians can lead us into the next era where race and religion do not determine our opportunities and our politics.). 

In other words, we are free to choose our own destiny's without the baggage of the past...but we must set on that course and then make a bi-partisan commitment to it. Wouldn't it be nice if we drew people together as a single people with a single national purpose? (I guess that isn't popular. Lets try doing the same thing over and over and see if it changes anything in the next 40 years? 🤷 Or we can work on finding similarities through divergent thinking. You can also read this definition of divergent thinking.)

If you want to know more you might want to read a very nice article entitled, 'Detroit Councilman André Spivey pleads guilty to bribery, expected to resign' by Robert Snell and Sarah Rahal (The names sound familiar....🤔 I think they used to write about this before...like 12 years ago. 🗞)

....a couple of quotes from the paper. 

"The people of Detroit deserve a city government free of corruption and pay-to-play politics," Acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin said in a statement Tuesday .

"In the last 12 years, more than 110 labor leaders, politicians, police officers and bureaucrats have been charged with federal corruption-related crimes locally, according to a database built by The Detroit News." 

P.S. cool database!

Gov. Whitmer details MI New Economy plan to grow our middle class, support small businesses and invest in our communities

 Its important to keep up with the news and take a look at some of the changes that are likely to happen in the state. You can take a look at plan below as it relates to small business development (I'm looking at how things get proposed, changed, and passed in the State of Michigan. For the most part I'm taking a very neutral approach to politics in our state and country but like to explore people's ideas and plans to see what might be helpful and what might work/not work in future economic development plans. As new plans come forward it will be nice to see the logics and tools they use and take what seems to make sense. Its a "what does it mean" approach to any plan presented.) Focusing on small business as it can help to rebalance overreliance on large companies (and the tax issues) as well encourage wealth generation and development of stronger business communities. You can read more of the plan below. Taken from the state website HERE. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

September 21, 2021  

Contact: Press@Michigan.gov  

Gov. Whitmer details MI New Economy plan to grow our middle class, support small businesses and invest in our communities 

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. - Today at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Gov. Whitmer detailed her economic agenda, including the unveiling of the three pillars of her bold $2.1 billion MI New Economy plan to grow Michigan's middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities.  

"I am laser-focused on tackling these big, structural challenges by growing Michigan's economy, creating good-paying jobs and building industries of the future," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "The MI New Economy plan is a good start, and I look forward to working with key partners, the legislature and anyone who wants to put Michigan's families, communities and small businesses first as we make these investments." 

The plan recognizes a strong economy isn't only about creating jobs, but requires a focus on our state's people and communities as well. That's why MI New Economy has three pillars, each of which has specific and ambitious goals that will help state officials track progress on efforts to build a stronger and more resilient Michigan.  

Pillar 1: Grow the Middle Class - No economic vision for the state can be complete if it doesn't focus on eliminating poverty and lifting families into the middle class.  

• Goal: 60% of adults with a postsecondary credential by 2030  

• Goal: Lift 100,000 families out of working poverty during the next five years (FY22-FY26)  
• Goal: Provide access to low or no cost childcare for 150,000 more families by 2024  

Pillar 2: Support Small Business - To supplement the great economic development work our state already does, Michigan needs a focus on creating and growing more Main Street businesses.  

• Goal: Top 10 state for small business job growth and revenue growth from 2022 to 2026  
• Goal: Top 10 state for household income growth during the next five years (FY22-FY26)  

• Goal: Top 10 state for growth in venture capital funding over the next five years (2022-2026)  

Pillar 3: Build Strong Communities - Michigan's residents deserve to live in vibrant communities with the kinds of services and amenities associated with a high standard of living.  

• Goal: 100% access to high-speed internet and 95% adoption by households during the next five years, while continually investing in higher quality access (FY22-FY26)  
• Goal: 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units in five years (FY22-FY26) 

"This plan will result in better jobs, better skills, more people re-entering the labor force and more people staying - and moving to - Michigan," Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "It will result in a new economy, a better economy, one that expands economic opportunity and prosperity for all." 

These pillars address the state's largest economic challenges: 

• There are too many jobs that don't pay enough - over 1 million households are living in working poverty.  
• Too many Michiganders are forced to delay life-saving medical procedures and car repairs, skip prescription refills and meals, and make incredibly difficult choices to meet their basic needs.   
• In 2019 before the pandemic, 38% of households did not make enough to make ends meet, and an additional 10% are right on the edge.  
• There aren't enough workers to fill open jobs. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average, but our labor force participation has been behind for a decade.   

• Today, it stands at 59%, or 42nd in the nation. At the turn of the century, it was 68.8% and has fallen since then.  
• There aren't enough Michiganders with the skills necessary to fill high-skill jobs. We need to meet our Sixty by 30 goal to boost incomes and improve long-term outcomes for working families.  
• There isn't enough entrepreneurship in Michigan. For several years, we have been below average job growth for microbusinesses and second stage companies.  
• Housing is unattainable or unaffordable in several communities. High-speed internet connection is lacking in certain areas and we face an above average shortage of renters and potential homeowners. 

MI New Economy also builds on some of the most recent initiative successes that have helped Michigan build back successfully: 

• Michigan established Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners to put 167,000 Michiganders and counting on a tuition-free path to higher education and skills training. Nearly 23,000 were already enrolled in classes last winter and summer semesters. 
• The Poverty Task Force released its first set of 35 policy recommendations designed to drive down Michigan's 37% ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) rate with sustainable strategies that center equity as a goal.   
• Through a $1 million investment, the MI Tri-Share pilot program has helped Michigan families afford childcare by dividing the cost equally between employees, their employer and the State of Michigan. 

• From March 2020 through March 2021, MEDC launched 23 economic relief programs and deployed nearly $240 million in small business relief across all 83 Michigan counties.  
• To address housing needs, MSHDA has financed $637.2 million in housing projects that created or preserved 7,467 units since Fiscal Year 2020. 

• Governor Whitmer created the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible. 

"Michigan cannot achieve a prosperous, equitable economy without vibrant communities. Investments in core assets like housing and broadband internet are essential to making our state more attractive both to existing residents and the entrepreneurs and workforce of the future," said Luke Forrest, Executive Director, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). "On behalf of hundreds of community-based organizations, we stand ready to help achieve this MI New Economy vision."  

To learn more about the MI New Economy plan, the state's economic and workforce challenges and successes the state has seen to date, visit www.michigan.gov/MINewEconomy. 

Senate Armed Forces Committee Hearing on Afghanistan

Senate Armed Forces Committee asking questions on Afghanistan. I have no comment, or judgement at the moment and am just watching to better understand some of the problems we are facing in foreign policy and application of military strength to achieve our national objectives. You can read more about about the Senate Armed Service Committee.

The Need for Criminal Just Reform Continues: Supporting and Enhancing Policing Through Better Values

Criminal Justice is an important aspect of our lives and people want to trust that system to do the right thing in all circumstances. Sometimes justice becomes perverted by things such as close personal association, financial gain, racism/bigotry, and local politics. A free pass for bad behavior not only damages people but is essentially against our most American principles. 

I've seen it...and I have seen it a couple of times! People make up stories for financial gain by exploiting racial and religious differences and some of the local law enforcement members engage in intimidating behaviors outside of legitimate legal concerns to support their friends and associates. These are crimes and shouldn't be given a wink and nod by anyone; politicians, officials, judges or anyone else. 

O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern
 impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat,
across the wilderness
America, America, God mend thine every flaw
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law

While these behaviors might seem like they are one off it appears as part of a learned pattern that has  through socialization and prior lack of accountability become "ok". One must wonder how many other victims and how much other corruptions are within the system (There are lots of incentives for this group to engage in these behaviors.)?  At present those other victims have very little value to the local judges and politicians (This is where we see inappropriate bias comingle with other poor values. Institutional trust is based in institutional integrity.)  

Its immoral to turn a blind eye. Others within the community have their own complaints about behaviors of some of these officers and the group in general. No one cares because they are the "super cools" who belong to the right social groups and are protected from being held to account for these behaviors (They aren't cool. They are just a large group of bullies that local judges give a free pass to because of political, racial/religious, and social connections). 

“The American Dream is that dream
 of a land in which life should be
 better and richer and fuller for everyone,
with opportunity for each
according to ability or achievement. 

Any legitimate system must consider the needs of all of societal stakeholders (We are teetering between two types of systems; depending on who you ask. I just happen to be unlucky enough to see the same problem through a couple of different vantage points.). I believe our justice system tries to provide a sense of justice but sometimes there are pockets of warped behavior that are unconstitutional and against the very spirit or our nation.  These warped systems continue on and on because they are unchallenged and those that should be holding them accountable feel its an uphill battle; protecting and serving your citizens and the future of the country isn't a wasted exercise.

Why would I continue to persist regardless of the personal risks to myself? Because I have a value system (...and I'm constantly in debate about what that means in the wider world around me). I have belief in our essential American principles and I don't believe laws should apply subjectively to race, religion, gender, disability, etc... I am not a perfect person but I have a long line of ancestors that supported this country (including myself) and that shouldn't be swept away because of corruption and poor values. 

In 2019 I wrote about whether I might run for politics and what I believe in '9 Important National Issues If I Someday Run for Politics'. What I can say is that I won't sweep under the carpet bad behavior simply because I have a distorted belief in what these laws mean and why people fought for them. In other words, I won't sell out our essential values simply because its "convenient". We have a greater responsibility to our kids (yes my kids too) and to our grand kids to build the best society we can for as many people as we can (I'm not sure how or why that gets distorted. Its been the same issue since the beginning of civilization.)

Our local judges, officials and politicians have a responsibility to stand up for their needs of their people; not just the ones that look like them or vote for them. No idea if I will ever run but I will continue to stand by my principles regardless of the values of those around me (I would find it honorable to be thrown out, targeted, or smeared for standing up for American values. No "Free Pass" for Hate in MI.). I suspect I will continue to put myself in harms way simply by standing for basic American principles and speaking the truth regardless of its popularity rating (What leaders should be doing...and I'm not even sure if I have what it takes to be a leader nor if anyone would actually follow.).

I am a supporter of the good work police do and I want to them to be more effective through long-term strategies that strengthen their communities. That includes ensuring that they are effective in upholding the law in alignment with the Constitution and good moral conscious as well as having the best tools and training needed to catch criminals and bad guys/gals. See Restoring Trust, Dysfunctional Values, Investigating Crimes in Michigan, Refined Personality and Law, Stoic Concept of Justice, 

Aristotle has a couple of interesting sayings on the importance of justice to society....

“It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered.”

“The weak are always anxious for justice and equality. The strong pay no heed to either.”

Aristotle's Conception of Equity 

We have a greater responsibility beyond politics and beyond the needs of our social groups to do what is the best interest of our nation and the next generation. While many of our political figures on both sides have focused on their particular issues and agendas many times they fail to see the compromise in the middle. They are either all this or all that! (Strategic Thinking) Life isn't so simple and choices are not so black and white but poor decision making impacts everyone. I personal don't want to be involved in politics because the events of the last 4 years have shocked and awed me as an American citizen. However, we get back to the question of, "Who else will do it?" Hopefully someone else because that road is long, treacherous, and toxic; likely why we are now struggling to enhance our economic and social position on the world stage. See Greatest Security Risks Post Afghanistan. 

Infrastructure and Reconciliation Bill (Government and Budgeting)

 Laws and legislature have a big impact on our business environment and they way in which we tackle our problems as a nation. I'm watching the news and trying to make sense out of some of the budgeting debates unfolding in Congress. I'm not going to go deeply into the politics of it all but I will say that the two bills sort of have different viewpoints/perspectives. One bill is focused on infrastructure and the other bill more on human elements. Its not easy to make choices over limited resources and we often must strive to do more with less but we must at some point make a choice. 

If you want to get up to speed quickly you can read CNN reporters Katie Lobosco's and Tami Luhby's article entitled 'Here's what's in the latest version of the bipartisan infrastructure bill'. 

You can also read the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Reconciliation Bill in their full. (Concerned citizens should read and make up their own minds what they like and don't like about each of the bills and whether they are worth funding or not. Government officials should make decisions in a manner that leads to the greatest amount of  net positives above and beyond the cost of the program.)

 

I'm not 100% sure I full understand the reconciliation bill and will spend a little time reviewing in greater depth (That doesn't mean I agree or not it just means I want to understand! Hype politics!😑). However, at this point I do support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in order to help push us to move our economy in the right direction. Our manufacturing moved overseas and our infrastructure began to crumble over the past few decades (Investment on economic fundaments will likely produce adjustment throughout the production chain.). 

Infrastructure investments often have significant high return rates and create the widest reaching impact dollars per dollar. The goal is to create as many net positives as possible and sometimes we have the ability to create additional advantages not initially expected in the individual parts of the plan ( Infrastructure Cross Structure Synergy.  Grading States, (2021) states that their research supports returns an approximate 15 to 45% return rate for key infrastructure projects (Assuming this and other data and studies support a high return rate for these investments it would make sense for both parties to get this one out of the way and then start discussing the other bill. Thinking of it from a practical perspective where both sides sort of win with this bill as separate. The other bill is likely to be a different kind of discussion with lots of variances in beliefs. ).

A couple of comments on the Reconciliation Bill. Its not so much that I agree or disagree as there are lots of different things in the bill that I haven't really be able to think about in terms of its full impact. Some will defiantly help and some wont likely make much of a dent without changing how we view certain pink elephant in the room sort issues (Sometimes the issue is our viewpoint and not the money itself. Changing our perspective to a more universal value system might make bigger changes in performance without actually spending money. See Hawthorn Effect and how positive treatment and focus can create greater performance improvements. High performance groups/society comes from treating people as though they are valuable and can perform versus prompting people by race and religion as to their lower values. Remember this concept I have been talking about as "All American" or "Something a little less". Its not as much a money thing as it is social prompting issue.). Because I haven't yet read the bill in significant page by page depth I can only say I think this bill in its present form may be difficult to sell as a single wrap it all in bill (We can wait and see🕘.).

FBI Report Indicates Violent Crime Has Risen Michigan and Elsewhere

According to the FBI violent crime such as homicides rose nationally to 21,570 indicating multiple roots of problems that seem to have gotten worse during the Pandemic. In Michigan, "... there were 40,041 violent-crime incidents, and 47,327 offenses reported in Michigan by 630 law enforcement agencies that submitted National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, and covers 94% of the total population." FBI, NIBRS, 2021)

The FBI has a number of reports on their site you can peruse. Uniform Crime Report Reports FBI You may also want to check out the Uniform Crime Data Explorer as well as Hate Crimes

The problem with violent crimes is the willingness of people to engage in grossly inappropriate anti-social behaviors for self gain. I suspect many of these issues are based in life frustration, indifferent communities, and untreated mental health. 

If you look at the FBI's site you will notice that offender ages are relatively young and lean in the direction of males. Often testosterone is part of the issue. However, socialization and poor role models can't be ruled out as a cofactor. For example, local crime might be oriented more toward social acceptance and feelings of inadequacy then pure testosterone as a stand alone construct. See Age and Crime Research (Its a little older but still valid). 

In Michigan we have an opportunity to understand violent crime and take a more active approach that leads to better solutions and more effective policing/public policy. Communities (local police and citizens) should report those who commit crimes or threaten to engage in crimes. Without proper numbers we don't know really want is going on or how much unreported crime there is (We can only run stats. False reporting should also carry a level of responsibility to ensure the data stays clean.)

Social connection should not be the determinant of justice.  See Michigan Hate Crime Reform.

Michigan Crimes

Chief Economist Joseph Minarik Discusses the Economy and 2022-23 Rate Increase

Joseph Minarik is Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Committee for Economic Development at the Conference Board (CED) and indicates that Federal Reserve are leaning just a touch hawkish (he isn't completely convinced) and many of the problems we are facing are somewhat transitory. He expects fiscal support to eventually taper and there are a number of unknowns that can cause or own problems. We may want to watch the jobs report in September and see what happens when kids go back to school. (The jobs report is only somewhat telling because as people return to work, or flux in service-Delta Covid adjustments we may reach a maximum unemployment rate where it becomes better to invest in technology development to fill the labor shortage gap pushing the economy closer to its own Renaissance when matched with market changes and government focus on innovative development that redraws our supply chains and global "investability". See New Paths American Renaissance Post 9'11 Era )

Global Marketing Mindset

He is right when he states the indicators of economic growth are sort of inconsistent and not easy to trend (At least by traditional economic measures. We shouldn't forget the other non-traditional metrics based in human behavior.). This often happens when nations are in transition from one form of existence to another both in physical structures and in the global mindset ( Global Marketing, Global Leadership, Global Executives and Global Organizational Culture i.e. digitizing in a increasingly connected global world with other environmental pressures that force us to think beyond our time rooted economic, environmental and social assumptions. A more macro view of ourselves that launches new ideas and products.) 

Update Federal Stats

Much will depend on how our national leaders decide issues versus simply the magic economic conditions. Big Data allows decision makers to see how our economy works form a eagle eye perspective that provides greater awareness of the bigger system that hopefully moves decision making away from the small (race/religious issues, short-sighted choices, and hyper policies that aren't based in critical thinking or science.) Congress and law makers have a lot of choices to make within windows in which they are most beneficial and create the biggest impact to stretch those dollars (Remember all business, success, and thriving is making the right choices at the right time. Why I support bi-partisan initiatives and why robust discussion can be beneficial when we learn from each other; assuming we are open to learning.🙉🙊)Its the time for practicality and the lowering of hyper politics to make it through the transition. (See Biggest Risks to US Economy Decision Making and Human Capital)

The Conference Board offers insight into economic opportunities. 

Semi Conductors-The Need for Innovative Clusters Highlighted

 Semiconductors are important not only to Michigan and the automotive industry but also to the nation as a whole. Essential equipment like semiconductors (and others) help ensure the rest of the system is functioning. When they are limited in supply the integrity of the entire production chain becomes questionable. While we may have outsourced much of that and didn't keep our eye on our own national security issues we do have an opportunity to change that trajectory. With cluster development I believe we can put semiconductor experts and leading US/International companies together to start an innovative build; the same can be said for other essential industries (i.e. cluster related in competencies, resources, and skill.) I think my Delta County Michigan Transaction Model for Cluster Development might be of some use. Invest R&D SubFactors MultiCluster DC Shipping. 

Government/White House will now be investigating the semiconductor supply chain to discover any issues that might be slowing down production and its wider supply network; vertical and horizontal (i.e.MI auto). What might be helpful is to draw a map of that supply chain and then create multiple linkages (alternative transaction chains) around bottlenecks to better ensure adaptability if any aspect of the chain goes out (perhaps a 2 week maximum revamp time matched with at least 2 weeks of back supply in storage/warehouse. Any number is ok...as long as it covers the revamp time.).

 Furthermore, a certain amount of essential materials could be produce in the "Americas" (US CAN MX, South America) in a regional effort to protect production capacity (Maybe MX could help us with the border crisis a little if we make a good faith effort to draw back some of the low cost labor manufacturing from Asia to there. Remember we want to price out our competitors in all of the pricing brackets. New innovative products lead the market but then become part of low cost manufacturing as novelty wears off. Generating revenue throughout more U.S. based companies during the product life cycle can be helpful in maximizing tax advantages. Maybe? 🤔). Where we are over reliant on outside/foreign resources (We should have a balance.) we might consider thinking about developing alternative designs to create multiple paths in technology development lines that could open up new possibilities to unknown technologies in the future. We are in the process of innovating our nation and thus should consider new ways of doing business and maintaining national competitive position. Global Supply Chain, Systems Thinking, System Think Strategy, Does US Need Shorter Supply Chain?, Cross Structure Synergy Physical/Virtual

While it may not seem like it COVID taught us to deal with our outsourced capacity in order to diversify our sources and be able to ramp up American businesses when needed (better now then in 10 years where our available national resources options are more limited)

Gov. Whitmer and Legislature Come Together on Bipartisan Budget that Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes

 Some interesting stuff below in terms of the State's ability to figure out its next step. I'm in favor of bi-partisan legislature when a wide group of stakeholders will benefit. While sometimes its necessary debate/argue key points much of what has been provided here makes sense. There is something called the the Michigan Infrastructure Council below. The more we know of what is going on in the state the more we are informed of the decision making process and its best outcomes. 

THE MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL (Website)

• About Splash

  The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is comprised of nine appointed voting members who are representative of one or more of the following: (1) asset management experts from the public and private sectors with knowledge of and expertise in the areas of planning, design, construction, management, operations and maintenance for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, transportation, energy, and communications, (2) financial and procurement experts from the public or private sector, and (3) experts in regional asset management planning across jurisdictions and infrastructure sectors. All voting members serve 3-year terms. Five of the voting positions are appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate Majority Leader, one by the Speaker of the House, one by the Senate Minority Leader, and one by the House Minority Leader.

  The MIC is also comprised of nine non-voting members representing state agencies, the Water Asset Management Council (WAMC), the Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC), and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Gov. Whitmer and Legislature Come Together on Bipartisan Budget that Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes (Website)

Budgets includes $500 million deposit into rainy day fund, grows workforce development programs, expands childcare, builds up bridges and water infrastructure 

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrates bipartisan budget agreement as the legislature moves budget bills for Fiscal Year 2022, which begins on October 1. She plans to sign the bipartisan budget into law before the end of the month. The budget provides strong investments for the state's economy, enhances childcare for Michigan's working families, invests in education and the skills needed for Michigan's workforce, protects our health, prioritizes cleaning up our water and environment, and rebuilds our infrastructure and crumbling bridges. 

The General Fund budget will total $11.8 billion, and when combined with the already signed School Aid Budget of $17.0 billion ($2 billion from federal sources), the full budget will provide $26.8 billion in state spending. With federal funding and other restricted revenues included, the full budget will total just under $70 billion. In July, Gov. Whitmer signed the School Aid budget, providing historic investments in K-12 education and increasing access to preschool, marking the end of a 27-year journey to close the funding gap between school districts.      

"I am thrilled that the legislature and I were able to come together to agree on a bipartisan budget. Our collaboration is a testament to what's possible when we work together and put our families, communities, and small businesses first," said Governor Whitmer. "The budget will make the biggest-ever one-time deposit into our rainy day fund, repair or replace nearly 100 bridges, expand childcare to 105,000 kids at low or no-cost, replace lead service lines, permanently raise pay for direct care workers, and do so, so much more. I look forward to continuing in the spirit of collaboration to spend the billions in federal dollars we have available to us from the American Rescue Plan and the billions more we are expected to receive from the bipartisan federal infrastructure bill. When we come together, we are capable of making incredible progress and I am proud that we got this done."    

"I am proud of this budget and the collaboration with the legislature to create a spending plan centered on transformational investments that will drive Michigan's continued recovery," said State Budget Director David Massaron. "This budget is going to help Michigan emerge as an even stronger state and it provides the type of investments that will foster real and lasting improvements to support Michigan's families and businesses."    

The budget will provide a series of investments to help Michigan's economy, including lowering the costs and expanding the access of childcare for working families. The funding plan includes: 

• $108.1 million that makes 105,000 more children eligible for child care by increasing income eligibility to 185 percent of the federal poverty level through fiscal year 2023, then 160 percent ongoing in the following fiscal years. 
• $13 million to waive parent copays for childcare through fiscal year 2022. 
• $158 million for an ongoing 30 percent rate increase for childcare providers, with an additional $222 million for a temporary rate increase. 
• $117.4 million to pay for enrollment in childcare through fiscal year 2023. 
• $36.5 million over 3 years to expand the number of childcare spaces for infants and toddlers.   
• $700.7 million for stabilization grants and another $100 million for startup grants for childcare providers, including technical assistance and facility improvements. 
• $30 million for a one-time $1,000 bonus for childcare staff. 
• $100 million for community revitalization and placemaking grants to support economic development in local communities. 

"This relief is coming not a moment too soon - today's budget will be a lifeline to the child care providers who were struggling to make ends meet even before the pandemic," said Annemarie Valdez, President of First Steps Kent. "These funds will make it possible to stabilize not only the child care industry, but will help bring Michigan parents back into the workforce, which will in turn alleviate pressures on our economy overall. Thanks to the Governor and State legislators for negotiating a deal that puts families first."   

The budget will also provide direct support for education and skills training to help address the skills gap and provide Michigan employers with the talent needed to move the economy forward. Investments will include: 

• $55 million for the Reconnect program to provide a tuition-free pathway to an in-demand industry certificate or associate degree for Michigan adults age 25 and older to help Michiganders get the skills they need to compete for a good-paying, in-demand job.  
• $25 million for the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program that pays for frontline workers to attend local community college tuition-free. 
• $40 million for the Going Pro program to expand employer-based training grants that result in industry-recognized credentials and certificates to help raise wages for workers and help employers fill job openings. 
• $6 million for wraparound supports for Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners to remove barriers to degree completion. 
• $8 million for pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship training programs that will expand Michigan's talent pool in the construction and building trades.  
• $1 million for Focus: HOPE to support workforce development, youth development, and community empowerment and advocacy programs. 
• Increased base funding of 1 percent for operations at universities and community colleges, with a one-time 4% increase in funds to help keep tuition costs down.   

"Michigan is ready to work, and we have good-paying jobs in the skilled trades that need to be filled,' said Cheryl Sanford, CEO of the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute. "This budget's use of resources to help provide apprenticeship readiness programming helps close that skills gap, connects those in hardship with access to opportunity, and ultimately builds financial sustainability for working families across Michigan." 

"The resources provided in this budget for Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are vital for Michigan's community colleges and their role in moving our state forward," said Steve Robinson, Ph.D., President of Lansing Community College. 

The budget will also make strong investments in the state's infrastructure to provide additional resources necessary to make needed repairs and replacements, including: 

• $196 million for local bridge bundling to repair or replace nearly 100 crumbling bridges in serious and critical condition.  
• $14.3 million to help local governments prepare for climate change and extreme weather, including flooding and coastal erosion.  
• $19 million for dam repairs and replacements to mitigate flooding and hazards caused by dam malfunction. 
• $3 million for the Michigan Infrastructure Council. 

"Investing in infrastructure just makes sense for Michigan," said Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasure of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. "I applaud Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for coming together on a budget that will fix our long-crumbling bridges, roads and other critical infrastructure with a plan that will create jobs and put hard working men and women to work all across this state." 

The budget will also fund key initiatives centered on the health of Michigan families, including: 

• $460 million to give a permanent $2.35/hour raise to direct care workers who take care of our most vulnerable in nursing homes and beyond. 
• $7.4 million to expand the Infant Home Visiting program for evidence-based home visiting services to at-risk families with infants born with substance exposure. 
• $19.1 million for the MiChoice program expansion to provide alternatives to nursing home care and allow seniors to stay in their homes (increase of 1,000 slots). 
• $6.7 million for the Sickle Cell Disease Initiative to cover the cost of treatment to around 400 adults and increase outreach and clinical capacity supporting the estimated 4,000 Michigan residents living with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black people. 
• $8.4 million to reduce health disparities and expand the use of community-based navigators to enhance access to health coverage, and improve screening, data sharing and interoperability of existing data systems through the Michigan Health Information Network.  
• $5 million for a pilot program to bring down utility bills for families by improving home weatherization and energy efficiency.  

"Our direct care workers work hard every day, but have especially gone above and beyond over the past year," said Robert Stein, Michigan Assisted Living Association. "We thank Gov. Whitmer for recognizing the value of direct care workers and supporting a wage increase." 

"The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Michigan (SCDAM) thanks Governor Whitmer for her leadership in the fight to address health care disparities," said Dr. Wanda Whitten-Shurney, CEO/Medical Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter. "ASCDAM sits at the forefront of creating real systematic change in the care of individuals living with sickle cell disease. This much needed increase in funding will be instrumental in helping to improve the quality of life for patients across the state."  

The budget also focuses on the need to invest in our water and environment, including: 

• $10 million to continue the replacement of lead service lines in Benton Harbor to provide access to safe drinking water.  
• $15 million for the Emergency Drinking Water Fund to help the state address drinking water emergencies. 
• $14 million to address PFAS and another $22 million to clean up contaminated sites across the state. 
• $25 million to clean up the Western Lake Erie Basin by reducing phosphorus levels. 
• $10 million for the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund to help eliminate lead poisoning in homes by injecting private capital into lead remediation efforts.  
• $5 million for the State Facility Green Revolving Fund which is a catalyst for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at state facilities, helping reduce the state's carbon footprint and save taxpayer dollars. 

"This first round of funding for clean, efficient energy and safe drinking water includes a number of new, innovative initiatives and is a down payment on the significant costs we will have to pay to clean up contaminated sites across our state and protect our water," said Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director for Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "Safe and clean drinking water is not a partisan issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers and the Governor to ensure protecting our water and our health are priorities in the final budget and in upcoming investments our state will make with federal recovery aid."  

The safety of Michigan residents is also prioritized in this budget, with $7.3 million in increased funding to hire and train new corrections officers for the state's prison system, and more than $800,000 in new funding for wellness initiatives for corrections employees.  

Department of State Police investments include $3.8 million to expand the use of body cameras, $4.5 million for a professional development and training effort, $7.7 million for a trooper recruit school, $2.5 million for breathalyzer test replacements, and a $2 million increase in secondary road patrol grants.   

The budget also provides $16 million for 911 system upgrades and $5 million to support local efforts to expand recruitment, improve training, and provide additional professional development to first responders.  

Funding is also provided to improve and enhance technology systems across state government with $17.5 million in increased funding for the state's information technology investment fund. Another $20 million is provided to protect state information technology systems from advanced persistent cyber threats to help ensure data doesn't get into the wrong hands.  

A two percent increase is provided for statutory revenue sharing payments to cities, villages, townships, and counties, and Constitutional Revenue Sharing is adjusted to reflect higher-than-expected sales tax revenues due to Michigan's strong economic recovery. This is an increase of $71 million to local communities across the state to help fund police, fire and public safety. 

 The budget will also deposit $500 million into the Budget Stabilization Fund, bringing the total fund balance to nearly $1.4 billion, representing the largest rainy day fund balance in state history.